why are my asthma systems getting worse when I'm taking all my meds?
I have had asthma for about 2 years now along with being treated for allergies about ten years. Although I take all my meds, my symptoms are getting worse. I'm always getting colds, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections and can't spend much time outside because I easily become short of breath. My energy level has decreased. I spend most of my weekends at home just to avoid going outside and getting sick. Even doing routine housework, I become short of breath. Since I get migraines also, I don't eat any junk food or deserts (with the exception of frozen yogart). I am becoming very frustrated because of the continued worsening of my condition. I am 52 years old and live in S. Florida. Do other people experience similiar symptoms and limitations? Does anyone take steriods on a long term basis?
I take Advar 250/50 2 x day, singular, allermyst, D-Allergy (decongestant), topomax (to avoid migraines) and xanax.
Thank you!
It sounds like you have Hardluck Asthma. It also sounds like you are on all the right medicines. The best thing for you to do is to continue to stay in touch with your physician so he and you can continue to work together to come up with the best methods of managing your asthma. Likewise, you are wise to hang around a website like ours so you can learn as much as you can about this disease. Maybe you can learn a few tips to take back to your doctor.
Yes, there are other asthmatics in the same boat as you. Yes, most asthmatics are on inhaled corticosteroids long term to manage their asthma. Since asthma doctors now know asthma is a disease of chronic inflammation as well as a disease of reversible airway obstruction and shortness of braeth, inhaled corticosteroid therapy is a top line therapy for the treatment of asthma.
Keep in mind that inhaled corticosteroids are relatively safe and do not cause systemic steroid side effects so long as you rinse your mouth out after each use.
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FLasmatic
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 05:27 AM
My family doctor suggested I see a lung specialist which I did and I was diagnosed with lung cancer. If I had not had asthma they would not have found it. There is no pain with lung cancer. I've had chemo and radiation and am doing fine now. You might want to have a chest x-ray to be sure you have no other problems.
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FLasmatic
Friday, June 26, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Hi Ann,
Sorry to hear about what happened to you -- but luckily you found the right specialist and were correctly diagnosed. I hope you are doing well and wish you the best!
I saw my doctor on Monday because I was having a really hard time breathing even after using my rescue inhaler. He prescribed an antibiotic for my apparent sinus infection, which I didnt know I had because I am always congested, and short term 5 days of steriods. I also was sent for the chest x-ray and lab work. This morning I find out the results of the tests.
Thanks for the suggestion. I also tend to be one of those people who have a condition which is not always what it appears. God Bless!
Jean in Sunny S. Florida 
HI I HAVE SUFFERING FROM ASTHAMA SINCE 15 YEARS.ALL THE YEARS I BELIEVED THAT ASTHAMA IS INCURABLE. BUT I STARTED DOING BREATHING EXCERCISES( PRANAYAMA ) AND DID VIGOUROUS EXCERCISE(RUNNING,CYCLING) AND BELIEVE ME AFTER SOME MONTHS I BEGAN FELLING BETTER .THE FREQUENCY,INTENSITY OF ATTACKS HAVE REDUCED.PLEASE TRY IT YOU WILL DEFINITELY FEEL BETTER.(IT HAS BEEN PROVED MEWEDICALLY) .TILL THEN CONTINUE WITH YOUR MEDICINES. BYE
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Hi Rick,
Thanks for your feedback --
I do have another question for you - is it true that we should avoid dairy products?
Thanks again -- I guess I will just need to hang in there -- Have a nice day!
Jean
Sunny S. Florida